Screening arrangement for a vehicle side window

ABSTRACT

A screening arrangement for a vehicle rear-door window is provided. The screening arrangement has a screening element which can be brought via clamping devices in the region of a window frame into a position covering the window. In this case, at least one of the clamping devices constitutes a clamping clip which, in the clamping position, is plugged into a gap between a windowpane and a window ledge. At least one of the other clamping devices likewise constitutes a clamping clip which, in the clamping position on an upper window-frame profile, is plugged into a gap between a frame lining and a rubber door seal.

[0001] This application claims the priority of German Patent Document 100 02 950.7, filed Jan. 25, 2000, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The invention relates to a screening arrangement for a vehicle side window, in particular a rear-door window, having a screening element which can be brought via clamping devices in a region of a window frame into a position covering the window, at least one of the clamping devices constituting a first clamping clip which, in the clamping position, is plugged into a gap between a windowpane and a window ledge.

[0003] Static sun protection devices for vehicle side windows are known in practice, the devices generally consisting of a spring wire frame covered by coarse knitted fabric, and being fastened to the glazing by suction cups.

[0004] However, sun protection devices of this type, although being extremely cost-effective, have the considerable disadvantage of it not being possible to lower the side-door window with the sun protection device fastened to the pane. A further disadvantage of this sun protection device resides in the undefined fastening of the suction elements whose adhesiveness requires a clean adhesive surface. Furthermore, the all-purpose design means that the shaded area is generally insufficient, since particularly in the case of relatively large rear-door windows, large regions of the window cannot be screened.

[0005] A further disadvantage resides in the fact that sun protection devices of this type are not suitable for screening the vehicle interior from unwanted observation, particularly in the case of saloons or limousines, since, as already mentioned, they do not, with an all-purpose design, generally cover the entire window-opening region, do not permit opening of the window while underway and, moreover, have a considerable adverse effect on the visual appearance of a limousine because they are fastened by means of suction cups.

[0006] German Patent Document No. DE 43 20 467 C1 discloses a screening arrangement for a vehicle side window, in the form of a roller blind, it being possible for a screening element to be accommodated rolled-up in a roller-blind housing, and the roller-blind housing having, in its end regions, clamping fastening means which can be used to fasten the roller-blind casing to a window ledge by the clamping clips being able to be plugged through an assigned gap between the end sides of the window ledge and the opposite frame profile. To provide the roller-blind housing with support against tilting, a sliding tab is provided which is connected to an assigned, central frame profile of the window by gripping it from behind. In order to extend the covering element from, or retract it into, the roller-blind housing, the covering element has a window hook with which it is hooked into the upper edge of the side window.

[0007] Using a screening-element design which matches the type of vehicle, this solution makes it possible to cover the entire window opening when the window is closed, as a result of which the vehicle interior, in particular the rear compartment, is screened from the sun's rays and, with an appropriate design of the knitted fabric of the antidazzle element, is also screened from unwanted observations.

[0008] However, the solution having a screening element which can be rolled up in a roller-blind housing is cost-intensive and only provides complete screening with the window closed, which means that an air-conditioning system possibly has to be resorted to in order to set the climatic conditions in the vehicle interior.

[0009] German Patent Document No. DE 37 18 729 A1 discloses a self-clamping, single or multipart sun, heat, light and visual protection for windows of a motor vehicle, which protection has a resilient frame which is matched to the size and shape of the window and is covered by translucent or moderately light-permeable woven fabric or film. The frame is latched into a depression or groove between the windowpane and windowpane seal or sealing windowpane guide, it being possible to provide clamps having flat tabs which are pushed between the seal and windowpane and fix the frame in place.

[0010] Although this solution is simple and cost-effective, here too the window can only be screened when it is closed, since the holding frame loses its securing means when the window is lowered.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a screening arrangement for a vehicle side window, in particular a rear-door window, which arrangement enables at least approximately complete screening of the window from light shining and people looking into the vehicle interior both when the window is closed and when it is open, and which can be realized in a structurally simple manner.

[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a screening arrangement for a motor-vehicle side window, in particular rear-door window, having a screening element which can be brought via clamping devices in a region of a window frame into a position covering the window, at least one of the clamping devices constituting a first clamping clip which, in the clamping position, is plugged into a gap between a windowpane and a window ledge, characterized in that at least one of the other clamping devices for the screening element includes a second clamping clip which, in a clamping position on an upper window-frame profile, is plugged into a gap between a frame lining and a rubber elastic seal.

[0013] Using the novel clamping fastening for the screening element, the latter is advantageously captively clamped in place with the door closed, which permits the side-door window to be opened even at a relatively high vehicle speed. This makes it possible, primarily in the rear region, for the vehicle occupants' desire for a direct fresh-air supply without switching on an air-conditioning system and for simultaneous, complete screening from the sun shining in and people looking in from the outside to be realized.

[0014] When its dimensions are matched to the vehicle, the screening element can ensure complete shading even of large rear-door windows. At the same time, the connection of the screening element to the window frame is secure in the event of a crash. The fastening can be undertaken in a completely damage-free manner without retaining elements from the vehicle body or lining parts. In an advantageous manner, the installation and removal of the screening element is possible without additional securing parts and tools within seconds.

[0015] Moreover, the screening arrangement is of very good value in its production, while on the other hand it looks as though it costs a lot.

[0016] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a screening arrangement on a rear-door window, constructed according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the screening arrangement according to the invention along the line I-I of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 shown in a cross section through a further embodiment of a the screening arrangement according to the invention; and

[0020]FIG. 4 shows a part of a cross section through a screening element of the screening arrangement along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A screening arrangement 1 for a vehicle side window 2, which is a rear-door window of a passenger car in the present case, is illustrated in simplified form with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The vehicle side window 2 has, in a known manner, a window frame 3 surrounding an approximately rectangular, front window opening 4 having a lowerable glass windowpane 5, and an approximately triangular, rear window opening 7 which is separated from the other opening by an intermediate-frame profile 6 and has a fixed glass windowpane. The lowerable side windowpane 5 runs in a groove in the window frame 3, which leads into a windowpane cavity 8 in a door body 9. The window frame 3 itself is formed with a lateral window-frame profile 10 and an upper window-frame profile 11 (indicated schematically), the said profiles being surrounded by a frame lining 12. In its lower region, the window frame 3 is formed with a window ledge 13 which is part of a door lining.

[0022] In order to screen the vehicle side window 2 from sun, light and heat rays and also as a visual protection, the screening arrangement 1 has a screening element 14 which is also illustrated in FIG. 4 in a sectional enlargement. As can be seen therein, the screening element 14 is formed with a holding frame 15 for a knitted fabric 16, the holding frame 15 consisting of a C profile 17, constituting an aluminum extruded part, and a steel wire 18 which is surrounded by the latter and is accommodated in a seam 19 formed on the knitted fabric 16 by high-frequency welding. In the present case, the knitted fabric 16 is a woven plastic fabric.

[0023] As an alternative to the design shown, provision may also be made for the C profile 17 to be omitted if the steel wire 18 is relatively strong, or to be manufactured from plastic. Furthermore, the knitted fabric 16 may also be provided in other designs as a film which is connected to a holding frame in a suitable manner.

[0024] In the present case, the use of the knitted fabric 16 has the advantage that tolerances between the upper window-frame profile 11 and the window ledge 13 at the bottom can be compensated for by the elastic material. Furthermore, the screening arrangement 1 can therefore be rolled up when removed and stowed away in a space-saving manner.

[0025] The screening element 14 can be brought via clamping devices in the region of the window frame 3 into a position covering the window 2, two clamping clips 20 being provided as the clamping devices for the fastening to the window ledge 13, the clamping clips being brought into a clamping position by being plugged into a gap 21 between the windowpane 5 and the window ledge 13. For this purpose, the clamping clips 20 are each formed with a hook 22 which interacts in the clamping position with a covering of the window ledge 13 by gripping the covering from behind.

[0026] In the design shown, the hook 22 grips a side edge of the covering of the window ledge 13 from behind in an L shape. However, deviating from this, provision may also be made for the hook 22 to fit around the side edge of the covering of the window ledge 13 in a U shape.

[0027] The clamping clips 22 each fit around the C profile 17 of the holding frame 15 with a claw-like region 23 with the knitted fabric 16 emerging on the upper side thereof. In their upper region, the hooks 22 each have a gripping section 24 which is surrounded by a corrugated rubber layer 25. Using these gripping sections 24, the hooks 22 can each be brought in a simple manner by an operator into the gap 21.

[0028] On their side facing the windowpane 5, the clamping clips 20 each have padding 26 in the form of a felt layer in order, on the one hand, to prevent noises and, on the other hand, to prevent the hook 22 from slipping out of the gap 21.

[0029] In order to fasten the screening arrangement 1 to the upper window-frame profile 11 after the clamping clips 20 have been inserted into the lower gap 21, further clamping devices 27, which are likewise designed as clamping clips in the present case, are provided on the opposite region of the holding frame 15. The two clamping clips 27 provided for clamping the screening arrangement to the upper window-frame profile 11 are in turn brought into the clamping position in such a manner that they are plugged into a gap 28, specified by the design, between the frame lining 12 and a rubber door seal 29 which is provided for bearing against a roof frame 30 of which the drawing sectionally illustrates a roof-frame panel 31 having edge protection 32. The clamping clips 27 are formed with an approximately L-shaped hook 32 which interacts with the frame lining 12 by gripping it from behind.

[0030] As can be seen in the design according to FIG. 2, in the clamping position of the L-shaped hook 33 a limb 34 of the hook 33, which limb faces away from the screening element 14, bears flat against an upper side of the frame lining 12, this limb 34 fitting around the frame lining 12 by means of a tab 35 on its front end. The other limb 36 of the hook 33, which limb faces the screening element 14, has a protrusion 37 which protrudes in the direction of the frame lining 12 and by means of which the same limb 36 is arranged spaced apart from a side surface of the frame lining 12. The protrusion 37 serves as a type of lever element, since the clamping clip 27 can be levered out of its clamping position by a supply of force, illustrated by an arrow F in FIG. 2, to a region of the limb 36 which faces the screening element 14.

[0031] A design deviating from this is illustrated in FIG. 3, in which, for reasons of clarity, identical components are referred to by the same reference numbers as in the previously described design. In order to lever an upper clamping clip 27′ out of its clamping position a pull tab 38 is provided here on a limb 34∝ of the clamping clip 27′, which limb faces away from the screening element 14. The pull tab 38 simplifies the levering in particular of the tab 35 of the hook 33′, which tab grips the frame lining 12 from behind in the clamping position, out of its clamping position. In this design, that limb 36′ of the hook 33′ which faces the screening element 14 bears in the clamping position against a side surface of the frame lining 12.

[0032] As regards the lower clamping clip, a design likewise deviating from the design according to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 3. Whereas the clamping clips 20, 27 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are formed integrally with the holding frame 15 of the screening element 14, the clamping clips 20′ in FIG. 3 are fastened in a clip-like manner to the lining of the window ledge 13 and are formed with an eyelet 39 for accommodating an assigned hook 40, a latching means 41 being provided which confirms to the operator that the hook 40 has latched securely into the eyelet 39.

[0033] The design of the clamping clip 20′ according to FIG. 3 enables, because the hooks 22 remain in the gap 21, even more rapid installation and removal of the screening arrangement according to the invention.

[0034] Of course, with the clamping clips being of clip-like design, other connections, for example via hook fastenings, press-studs or other connections, are also conceivable and these make the operation of the screening arrangement 1 simple.

[0035] The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed:
 1. Screening arrangement for a motor-vehicle side window, in particular a rear-door window, having a screening element which can be brought via clamping devices in a region of a window frame into a position covering the window, at least one of the clamping devices includes a first clamping clip which, in the clamping position, is plugged into a gap between a windowpane and a window ledge, wherein at least one of the other clamping device for the screening element includes a second clamping clip which, in a clamping position on an upper window-frame profile, is plugged into a gap between a frame lining and an elastic seal.
 2. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein, second clamping clip, which is plugged into the gap between the frame lining and a rubber door seal, is formed with an at least approximately L-shaped hook which interacts with the frame lining by gripping it from behind.
 3. Screening arrangement according to claim 2 , wherein, one limb of the L-shaped hook, which faces away from the screening element in the clamping position bears at least approximately flat against an upper side of the frame lining, said limb fitting around the frame lining by a tab on its front end.
 4. Screening arrangement according to claim 2 , wherein a pull tab for levering the hook out of the clamping position is provided on the limb which faces away from the screening element.
 5. Screening arrangement according to claim 2 , wherein a limb facing the screening element is formed with a protrusion protruding in a direction of the frame lining in its central region in such a manner that the limb is arranged spaced apart from a side surface of the frame lining and the hook can be levered out of the clamping position by supplying force to a region of the limb which faces the screening element.
 6. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the first clamping clip, which is arranged in the gap between the windowpane and window is formed with a hook which, in the clamping position, interacts with a covering of the window ledge by gripping the covering from behind.
 7. Screening arrangement according to claim 6 , wherein the hook fits in a U shape around a side edge of the covering of the window ledge.
 8. Screening arrangement according to claim 6 , wherein the hook grips a side edge of the covering of the window ledge from behind in an L shape.
 9. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping clip which is arranged on the window ledge has padding on its side which faces the windowpane.
 10. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the screening element is formed with a holding frame for a knitted fabric, which frame has a C profile which fits around a wire fastened to a seam of the knitted fabric.
 11. Screening arrangement according to claim 10 , wherein the clamping clip is formed integrally with the holding frame of the screening element.
 12. Screening arrangement according to claim 10 , wherein the clamping clip is formed in a clip-like manner with an eyelet for retaining an assigned hook on the holding frame of the screening element.
 13. Screening arrangement according to claim 12 , wherein the connection between the eyelet and the hook is formed by a latch.
 14. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said first clamping clips are provided.
 15. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of said second clamping clips are provided.
 16. Screening arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein two of said first clamping clips and two of said second clamping clips are provided, spaced from one another in a lengthwise direction of the window.
 17. Screening arrangement according to claim 2 , wherein two of said first clamping clips and two of said second clamping clips are provided, spaced from one another in a lengthwise direction of the window.
 18. Screening arrangement according to claim 3 , wherein two of said first clamping clips and two of said second clamping clips are provided, spaced from one another in a lengthwise direction of the window.
 19. Screening arrangement according to claim 4 , wherein two of said first clamping clips and two of said second clamping clips are provided, spaced from one another in a lengthwise direction of the window.
 20. Screening arrangement according to claim 5 , wherein two of said first clamping clips and two of said second clamping clips are provided, spaced from one another in a lengthwise direction of the window.
 21. Screening arrangement according to claim 6 , wherein two of said first clamping clips and two of said second clamping clips are provided, spaced from one another in a lengthwise direction of the window. 